Karen Austin
Registration Number :
RSW2/D2/SWDT/2016
Charge details
(a) In late 2014 entering into an intense personal relationship with Client X, a client or former client, thereby putting at risk Ms Austin’s reputation and/or the reputation of the profession.
(b) Entering into an intense personal relationship with Client X when she knew he was vulnerable.
(c) Failing to discuss the development of her intense personal relationship with Client X with a supervisor or her employer thereby:
(d) Failing to bring an actual or potential conflict of interest to a
supervisor’s or her employer’s attention.
Result/Orders/Penalties
The Tribunal orders pursuant to s83(1)(a)(ii):
a. That for the period of two years after recommencing practice as a registered social worker, Ms Austin be supervised by a professional peer approved by the Board. This supervision is to occur in addition to supervision provided in the course of Ms Austin’s employment, and is to be at Ms Austin’s cost. This external supervision is to occur monthly with reporting to the Board every three months or at any time if the supervisor determines this necessary or appropriate.
b. The external supervision is to focus on the management of professional boundaries and ethical dilemmas.
c. That Ms Austin is to undergo an assessment by the Board of her fitness to practice, including an independent assessment of her mental wellbeing by a suitably qualified practitioner appointed by the Board.
The Tribunal orders pursuant to section 83(1)(e) that Ms Austin pay costs in the sum of $2500, to be divided as follows: $800 towards the costs incurred by the CAC and $1700 towards the costs incurred by the Tribunal.
Last updated
18 August 2026